A Wyndham doctor has labelled as ‘bizarre’ the state government’s decision to pour a billion dollars into health in the northern suburbs while the west lacks critical services.
Premier Daniel Andrews on September 20 committed $1billion to upgrade two hospitals in the northern suburbs if successful at the upcoming state election.
Dr Joe Garra said the money could have “easily” been invested in Wyndham instead.
“We can’t have everything in Werribee, but there are so many services we don’t have,” he said.
“For example, cardiology, if you have a heart attack you can’t stay at Werribee Hospital, there’s still no public plastic surgeon…we don’t have a public psychiatrist…we don’t have a public ophthalmologist.
“Paediatric is still very small [and] people have to take their kids to the children’s hospital, or Sunshine [Hospital].”
A Victorian government spokesperson said billions were being invested overall to get the state’s health system back on track as quickly as possible, including the completion of a $120 million expansion of critical care at Werribee Mercy Hospital.
“We know there is more to do, which is why as part of a $236 million package in the recent budget, the emergency department capacity of Werribee Mercy Hospital will be doubled,” the spokesperson said.
“[We will deliver] a dedicated paediatric zone, four more resuscitation spaces, eight fast track bays, seven consultation rooms, 28 immediate care cubicles, a Behavioural Assessment Room and 16 short stay beds.”
Dr Garra acknowledged the funding boost, but said municipality’s healthcare sector needed to be able to cater to Wyndham’s growing population, mostly comprisin young families.
“They’ve managed to find money for the Northern suburbs…but nothing for Werribee, it’s bizarre,” he said.
“You shouldn’t have to drive past a public hospital, to get a similar service at another public hospital.”
A Mercy Health spokesperson said Mercy Health had been working with the Victorian government to meet future demand.
“We have every indication from the government that they recognise the urgency of this upgrade,” the spokesperson said.
“We are confident that the service planning, including for various additional departments and sub-specialties, is designed to meet the projected needs of the Wyndham community between now and 2036 when our population will reach half-a-million people.”
